History of Our Bank

Central State Bank was originally chartered as Clayton State Bank in the small village of Clayton, Illinois. Three McCoy Brothers are credited with the founding of Clayton in 1834. Charles, being an ardent admirer of Henry Clay, named this infant town “Clay-ton,” in honor of the great statesman. The Barlett and Wallace State Bank was founded in 1887. W. T. Craig, W. H. Craig, James Wolford and other townspeople organized Clayton State Bank in 1928.

By the end of 1931, nearly 2,300 banks had closed, and before the depression ended, more than 5,000 banks had failed nationwide. Clayton State Bank survived during this period and, in fact, continued to grow.

Clayton State Bank bought out the Barlett and Wallace State Bank in 1931. As a result, Henry Sparks became President; James Moffett, Vice-President; and Walter H. Craig, Cashier. Mr. Craig became President of the Bank in 1944 and devoted fifty-five years to his banking career in Clayton. The Bank showed steady growth and in 1968 had footings of $2,500,000. Isabel Craig Baptist, daughter of Walter H. Craig, and her husband, Frank C. Baptist took over the operations of the bank after the death of her father.

New Ownership

The Baptist’ owned the Bank until 1978 when John E. Kinscherff and his wife, WandaLee, purchased it. One day, the Kinscherff’s stopped by Clayton State Bank and asked Mr. Baptist if he would be interested in selling his interest in the bank. After negotiations with him, and gaining approval from the State of Illinois, Clayton Bancshares, Inc., formed and the Bank was purchased and remodeled. An open house was held December 2nd, 1979. Assets were $4,000,000 at this time.

Growth

Management was committed to serving the needs of its customers and local lending continued to be emphasized. The bank was expanded and a drive-in window was added. The new owners made necessary changes in the bank’s policies and its personnel. The credit needs of the community were given first consideration. John Kinscherff assumed the presidency of the bank and Gene Seybould was hired as Executive Vice-President and Cashier. For the eight-month period ending August 31st, 1978 the bank experienced a 5.9% increase in total assets. The sale of the bank to the new owners had a very favorable impact on the community.

Branch opens in Pleasant Hill, Illinois

In the meantime, banking laws changed and branches could be set up in adjoining counties. The Kinscherff’s oldest son, John Michael, had received his degree in ag-economics from the University of Illinois and had attained both farming and banking experience. In 1991, a new branch was added in Pleasant Hill, Illinois. The name of the Bank was changed from Clayton State to Central State Bank to better reflect the bank’s expansion. Employees in Clayton chose “Central” from the Central High School in Camp Point. Mike became President of the Bank, and the Pleasant Hill branch grew very quickly.

Branch opens in Quincy, Illinois

In 1998, Central State Bank added its third full-service branch when it purchased the former Nations’ Bank at 12th and Jefferson in Quincy. In one year of operation, this location had reached over six million in assets, which were more than the assets of Clayton State Bank when the Kinscherff’s purchased it in 1979.

Branch opens in Kinderhook, Illinois

In 2013, Central State Bank added its 4th full-service branch after completing a merger with Kinderhook State Bank. Located equidistant between Quincy and Pleasant Hill, the Kinderhook location fits perfectly into Central State Bank’s overall model. The Kinderhook merger brought the Bank’s total asset size to $115 million.